BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Hundreds gathered Thursday night at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks to mark the end of the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s annual fundraising campaign — and celebrate a record year.
Supporters raised $25,002,145 in the annual drive that ended March 31 — the most ever, and nearly $2.5 million more than last year, organizers said.
The campaign was chaired by Tony and Adrienne DaRe of Bethlehem-based BSI Corporate Benefits.
Laura McHugh, United Way vice president of marketing and communications, called Tony DaRe a key figure in securing this year's record-breaking number, out of sheer willpower.
“Tony kind of spoke $25 million into existence,” McHugh said. “And a few of us said, 'I don't know about that.' But Tony said, 'I do, I know about it. This is a community that will support it that can get us there.' And he really, really got us there with the support of so many volunteers, corporations and individual donors.”
Tony DaRe chalked it up to the community, both truly believing in it and the hundreds of individuals at the campaign event that represent them.
He said organizers placed a special emphasis this year on raising awareness of mental health and the health care needs associated with it.
“At BSI, we saw this need and heard it personally as we visited United Way Community Schools and Healthy Aging Community Hubs,” he said. “We knew it was imperative that we act now.”
Said Adrienne DaRe: “So many people in our community are struggling, and we believe we can make a real difference by working together to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and to raise funding for numerous United Way-supported programs and efforts to connect children, parents, employees and their families with the services they need.”
That money will make a real difference, according to McHugh. An increase in funding ultimately means more money can go to nonprofit organizations to assist those in need, she said.
“It means that people who need help today have a better chance of getting their needs met, while we continue to work on the long-term solutions that get to the root causes of the problems are facing,” McHugh said.
This was the 14th consecutive time the amount raised grew over the prior year, according to the United Way.
Recognizing donors, leaders
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley says its staffers, donors, volunteers and partners will in some way touch about 175,000 people this year.
The nonprofit agency also recognized outgoing President David Lewis, who is retiring after 36 years with United Way, and new President Marci Lesko.
United Way also shouted out some of its most generous corporate donors.
PPL Corp.’s employees, retirees and corporate foundation contributed more than $6 million for the second year in a row. Air Products raised more than $5 million for the third consecutive year, and City Center Group and Crayola each raised more than $1 million.
Awards presented
Also during the ceremony, four organizations were honored and presented awards.
HNL Lab Medicine — PPL Live United Award
Presented “for their increased support and dedication to improving the lives of those in need across the region,” according to United Way.
HNL is the first corporate partner to offer a matching gift through donations made by United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley staff. That means the $70,000 donated by United Way staffers will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Allentown-based HNL.
Quadrant Capital — Campaign Chairs’ Award
Presented to a company that has demonstrated leadership and innovation during United Way’s campaign and an ability to increase awareness throughout the Lehigh Valley.
Veronica Gonzalez and Valley Health Partners — Community Builder Award
Presented to an individual or organization that supports United Way in its community-building efforts, encourages cooperation, contributes talent and resources to further partnerships, creates a common ground and perseveres in the face of challenges.
Valley Youth House — Air Products Leonard Pool Impact Award
Presented by Air Products, the Leonard Pool Impact Award recognizes a nonprofit organization that demonstrates a commitment to exceptional community leadership, outstanding stewardship of community resources, active and meaningful volunteer engagement and strategic impact on the Lehigh Valley community.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Tony DaRe is a founding funder of LehighValleyNews.com. He has no influence on our editorial or business operations.
